Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [160]
Royal Kona Resort (329-3111, reservations 800-222-5642; www.royalkona.com; 75-5852 Ali′i Dr; r $185-285, ste $300-430; ) You can’t miss the Royal Kona, thrusting like a ship’S prow, and whose ’70s Polynesian kitsch is so over-the-top you half expect the Brady Bunch to come tumbling out of the elevator – making this Kailua’S most enjoyable big hotel. The good-sized rooms are attractive and more neutrally decorated, with nice touches like wood-shutter closet doors; corner room lanais have tremendous views. Ask for the more recently renovated Lagoon and Alii Towers; the Bay Tower is older (and $30 to $60 cheaper).
If you’re desperate to stay downtown, you might consider these two functional standbys. Both offer 15% to 30% discounts online:
Kona Seaside Hotel (329-2455, 800-560-5558; http://seasidehotelshawaii.com; 75-5646 Palani Rd; r $120-150; ) The Garden Wing is quietest; rooms with a view aren’t worth the extra cash.
Uncle Billy’S Kona Bay Hotel (329-1393, 800-367-5102; www.unclebilly.com; 75-5744 Ali′i Dr; r $95-120; ) Looks retro-cool outside, but badly designed inside; too much street noise.
CONDOMINIUMS
Casa de Emdeko (329-6311, 329-6020; www.casadeemdeko.org; 75-6082 Ali’i Dr, 1br & 2br from $95-150; ) With Spanish-tile roofs, white stucco, immaculate gardens and two pools, this vacation rental complex is stylish and restful. Units are overall up-to-date, well cared for, and nicely priced. The off-highway location means no noise except wind, surf, and tinkling chimes.
Kona Magic Sands Resort (329-6311, office 326-5622; www.konahawaii.com/ms.htm; 77-6452 Ali′i Dr; studio units $110-150; ) This three-story building is an ugly cinderblock shoebox, but the compact studios are surprisingly cool and quiet. Each has a full kitchen and an oceanfront lanai. White Sands Beach next door is an important plus.
Hale Kona Kai (329-2155, 800-421-3696; www.halekonakai-hkk.com; 75-5870 Kahakai Rd; 1br $160-185; ) Quietly positioned on a hidden lane just walkable to downtown, this three-story block of frequently upgraded units is a satsifying choice. All face the ocean and have lanais.
Kona Reef (329-2959, 800-367-5004; www.kona-reef.com; 75-5888 Ali′i Dr; 1br $250-305, 2br $410-510; ) The condos here are spacious and well-kept, but the complex itself is boring – dated, nondescript, lacking greenery and in need of a makeover. While you won’t be unhappy with the room itself, it’S a better deal with an extended-stay or internet discount.
Royal Sea-Cliff Resort (329-8021, 800-688-7444; www.outrigger.com; 75-6040 Ali′i Dr; studios $225, 1br $265-365, 2br $305-399; ) Outrigger runs the condo side of this seven-floor time-share complex like an upscale hotel, giving you the best of both worlds. Immaculate units are generous-sized and uniformly appointed with pretty furniture and lots of amenities – well-stocked kitchens, washers and dryers, sauna and two oceanfront pools. You can’t go wrong.
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EATING
Kailua-Kona’S eateries show a curiously inverse relationship between quality and price: with a few exceptions, it seems the more you spend, the less satisfying your meal. So while in Kona, save your money and frequent those unassuming local joints hiding in plain sight in malls and former fast-food franchises.
Budget
Scandinavian Shaved Ice Internet Café (331-1626; 75-5699 Ali’i Dr; shave ice $2.50-6; 10am-9:30pm Mon-Sat, noon-9:30pm Sun) Shave ice is served in huge, psychedelic-colored mounds that are as big as your head. There is an orgy of syrup choices. At night, folks sometimes break out board games.
You Make the Roll (326-1322; Kona Marketplace, 75-5725 Ali′i Dr; sushi rolls $5-6.50; 11am-7pm Mon-Fri, to 4pm Sat) This high-concept